Local Hero & Astronaut Speaks at Event to Inspire the Next Generation of Scientists, Engineers, and Space Explorers

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa., October 3, 2011 — The NASTAR® Foundation, in partnership with The Franklin Institute, will host a special night with Philadelphia hero, Astronaut Christopher Ferguson, at The Franklin Institute on October 4th from 6:30-7:30pm. The seminar titled “Landing Atlantis – Exploring New Frontiers” features STS-135 Shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson and renowned Astronomer Derrick Pitts as they talk on the past, present and future of Space, and opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers.

Ferguson, a native of Philadelphia and three-time Space Shuttle Astronaut, will discuss his experience as the commander of the last NASA Space Shuttle flight, Atlantis STS-135, which landed on July 21, 2011 – marking the end of NASA’s historic 30-year Space Shuttle program. Ferguson will also comment on his involvement in the Commercial Space Industry – an emerging industry of companies building (and supporting) low-cost, reusable spacecraft aimed at making space travel a reality for everyone.

Individuals interested in flying aboard upcoming commercial space flights, including current ticket holders, have already begun training at the National AeroSpace Training and Research (NASTAR) Center, located just outside Philadelphia in Southampton, PA. The NASTAR Center is a supporting facility for NASTAR Foundation programs.

The “Landing Atlantis – Exploring New Frontiers” event kicks off World Space Week 2011, which runs October 4-10. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. The event is by invitation only. Guests include local aerospace leaders, academia and industry.

More Info on the event, please visit: www.nastarfoundation.org/ferguson or www2.fi.edu/visitor-guide/events/special-events.php

About NASTAR Foundation
The NASTAR Foundation is a non-profit organization that fosters opportunities for people of all ages to experience the excitement of aerospace exploration. The mission of the NASTAR Foundation is to promote aerospace education as a lifelong process; support applied and theoretical scientific research related to aviation, human perception and cognition and general man-machine interaction; and to support the health and safety of the aerospace industry. www.nastarfoundation.org

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